Jokowi calls for greater economic cooperation with PNG

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo has called for a strengthening of economic ties with Papua New Guinea during a business breakfast in Port Moresby this morning.

The Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill reiterated the sentiments and thanked Indonesia for its part in supporting PNG's successful bid to host the 2018 APEC meeting in Port Moresby.

Indonesia President Joko Widodo Photo: supplied

Our correspondent Todagia Kelola was at this morning's breakfast and says local media were not allowed to ask any questions and there was no mention of the West Papua issue.

"He said the visit in Papua New Guinea provides an opportunity to strengthen ties in both countries. And despite not commenting on the West Papua issue Mr Widodo seeks to ensure that closer relations is far more important for the benefit for the people in Indonesia especially the 11 million Melanesians in Indonesia."

Mr Kelola says there was also no mention of the upcoming bid by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua for membership to the Melanesian Spearhead Group which is expected to be decided later this year.